13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:13-16 (New King James Version)

The statement, “These all died,” is in reference to men who had lived by faith in scriptures.  The Apostle Paul is talking about people who live by faith looking forward to a new Kingdom in which Christ will be the ruler.  That is the way it should be with us who have been born again into the Kingdom of God. (John 3:16)  We look forward to the physical coming of the Kingdom of God as promised by Christ. (Luke 17:20,21; 18;29,30; and 22:2)  We are aliens and strangers on earth and are looking for a country of our own.  We are looking for a better country—a heavenly one. 

That is what motivated us to begin a Saturday night meeting with a potluck dinner, praise and worship music, and a word of encouragement regarding our future home and how to live in this land as a stranger and foreigner.  Often times we Christians give ourselves a bad name because we are so zealous about trying to make things better here in this foreign land that those who live and have this world as their possession become angry at us for attempting to make their world like the future one we hope for.  We must remember, they have not chosen to live in the Kingdom of God as we have.  As much as we desire for everyone to experience the Kingdom of God, we must remember that we can’t force it upon them.

So our option is simple.  We don’t get wrapped up in this worldly system in which we are foreigners.  We joyously and victoriously look forward to the Kingdom of God.  When this world system becomes fearful, and full of uncertainty, we will still be rejoicing and celebrating knowing that better things are coming.  That alone will bring many into the Kingdom of God.  That is the purpose of the Saturday night meetings.

In the meantime, we will pray for revelation of God and His Word to those of this world, its leaders, our family, friends, and various loved ones.  We will pray God’s promise of a world which is based upon His Word and the coming Kingdom will become a reality, and many in number will be added to the Kingdom daily as this worldly system becomes more and more uncertain and fearful.

-Pastor Herb